Cottonwood News
January 24th, 2017
On January 27th, we will celebrate 100 days of school in grades 1-5! February 1st will mark 100 days in Kindergarten!
News and Notes
So many good things are happening in our schools. I enjoy visiting classrooms and talking with students about their learning. Here's a few things I've noticed this month:
- Kindergarteners are reading and writing their sight words. (of, where, many, so, how)
- 1st graders are beginning to tell time (Counting by 5's for the minute hand), writing monster stories and learning about Earth's treasure's. They are looking forward to collecting Valentine's cards from across the country.
- 2nd graders are sequencing stories, learning about weather (I've heard a discussion on what might happen if it rained food) and starting on subtraction.
- 3rd graders are beginning to discuss equivalent fractions. Why does 1/4th equal 2/8ths?
- 4th graders are putting together calories for fast food places. Which DQ blizzard has the most calories? the fewest calories? They are also learning about electricity and energy and getting very good at adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers too! Last week they even talked to an astronaut from NASA.
- 5th graders are talking about the theme of passages, multiplying fractions, investigating how the earth's systems interact and writing "moody" stories.
- In PE, students have practiced their bowling skills and are now playing hockey. In music, some grades are creating their own musical tunes.
Our students are engaged in their learning. Through exploration and creation, we are all growing together. Thank you for sending your children to us. Please take a few minutes each day to talk about the school day. A few conversation starters might be:
- What was fun about school today?
- Tell me something that made you laugh today.
- How did you help someone today?
- Tell me something good about today.
- If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?
- Tell me three different times you used a pencil today.
Counselor Corner
Classroom Guidance: This month’s themes are caring and compassion. Caring is displaying kindness and concern for others. Compassion is sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
National School Counselor Week is February 6th through the 10th. This year’s theme is “Helping Students Realize Their Full Potential.” We are celebrating each day with a character trait and message. Student Council has helped pick a theme for each day.
- Monday-Socks Day—Our feet lead us down the right path.
- Tuesday-Crazy Hair Day—Be special, be unique
- Wednesday-PJs Day—Getting plenty of rest, will help us reach our potential
- Thursday-Favorite Book Character Day—Reading helps us dream, learn and grow.
- Friday-College Apparel Day—wear college apparel to share the future college they would like to attend.
We are about to complete banana splits for this year. If your child needs additional support please let me know. We will start the groups back up in the fall. I can always provide individual support for your child. Just contact me here at CES-218-4620 ext. 2 or faustm@usd385.org. Be sure to send your child’s banana split money if you haven’t already done so. ($1.50) The party will be Feb. 24th. Thanks for all you do!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Marcie Faust-Cottonwood Counselor/LPC/NBCC-316-218-4620 ext. 2 faustm@usd385.org
From the Nurse's Office--Mrs. Tauke and Mrs. Clopton
March 3rd, Dr. Howell will be at CES for dental screenings. If you would like to help escort classes or hand out dental cards, please email Mrs. Tauke tauked@usd385.org We would like at least two volunteers to help keep the process moving along. Our volunteer dentist will be here from 10:00-12:15.
Stay healthy!
From the Library--Mrs. Ohlund
Be sure to check out the Cottonwood library webpage. You and your student will find the world book, the card catalog and AR book finder. If you have any questions about our library program, please don't hesitate to stop by or give us a call.
Mrs. Ohlund and Mrs. Klaassen
PTO News
PTO is an important part of our Cottonwood community. We meet monthly to share ways we can work with teachers to improve the educational experiences of our students. Please plan to join us 21st @ 6:30. We will be discussing our by-laws, upcoming fundraising plans and the Spring semester activities.
YMCA Stay and PLAY
Communication
School website: http://cottonwood.usd385.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CottonwoodElementary
PTO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cottonwoodelementarypto/
Andover Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndoverSchools
Cottonwood Twitter: https://twitter.com/CottonwoodElem
Teacher Facebook pages:
Mrs. Defebaugh https://www.facebook.com/MrsBrackeen/?fref=ts
Mrs. Fox https://www.facebook.com/foxin5th/
Mrs. Gallagher https://www.facebook.com/mrsgallaghers5thgradeclass
Mrs. Burrus https://www.facebook.com/burrust/?fref=ts
Mrs. Plank https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Planks-Fourth-Grade-1490196337947267/?fref=ts
Mrs. Rich https://www.facebook.com/emmonsa/?fref=ts
Ms. Wright https://www.facebook.com/wrightces/?fref=ts
Mrs. Hachen https://www.facebook.com/HachenHighlights/?fref=ts
Mrs. Davis https://www.facebook.com/dayswithdavis/
Mrs. Highfill https://www.facebook.com/highfill2nd/?fref=ts
Mrs. Barscewski https://www.facebook.com/Mrs-Barscewskis-First-Grade-1295655550474548/?fref=ts
Mrs. Kindle https://www.facebook.com/kindle2014/?fref=ts
Ms. McKenna https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=ms%20mckennas%20first%20grade
Mrs. Hanna https://www.facebook.com/MrsHannasKindergarten/?fref=ts
Mrs. Wilson https://www.facebook.com/Wilsonart2015/?fref=ts
Peachjar-- Peachjar is an “electronic backpack” system where schools post calendars, activity information from enrichment providers, and school letters. This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved fliers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose.